The prevalence rates of domestic abuse in women attending a family planning clinic.

CONTEXT: Domestic abuse has a detrimental impact on the mental and physical health of a woman. The abusive partner may use physical and sexual violence and 'control' the choice of contraception.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence rates of domestic abuse.

DESIGN

Data collection using anonymous questionnaire.

SETTING

A family planning clinic.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred and ninety-two women.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence rate of past and present history of domestic abuse and the nature of the abuse.

RESULTS

One in three women experienced domestic abuse at some time in their life. A significant relationship existed between the age of the woman and experiencing abuse within the last year. Women in full-time employment experienced the highest rates of abuse.

DISCUSSION: The anonymity of the research and the method of implementation encouraged an excellent response rate.

CONCLUSION

During a woman's childbearing years, one-third of women may experience domestic abuse from their partner.